(On hold) This is an early 1940s Sheaffer Balance "Vigilant" Vac fountain pen in striated Golden Brown celluloid, with a 14k gold, two-tone Lifetime XXF nib. The pen has been restored, which included a complete disassembly, a thorough, but gentle cleaning, an overhaul of the filling mechanism, ink flow adjustment, nib tuning, and a gentle polish with a soft cloth (by hand). The pen measures 5.1" capped and 0.42" in diameter.

I think it's fair to say that Apple and Google are today's Parker and Sheaffer. The two pen companies were among the greatest innovators of their respective era. They both created incredible, timeless fountain pens, built around sophisticated technologies. The pen I am offering today is a great example of a 1940s pen. It's beautiful, ergonomically sound, performs very well, and was built to withstand "the hardest of pen ordeals." The pen came to me with a broken nib, so I replaced it with a better, Lifetime nib, which is correct for the "White Dot" version of the pen.

If you're thinking of buying the new Pelikan M400 Tortoise, may I suggest an alternative. This Sheaffer pen is about the same size, made of similarly beautiful material, has an even greater ink capacity, and comes with a fantastic gold nib that writes a much finer line (about 0.2 mm on my paper) than the Pelikan XF nib. And, it has some really interesting history behind it. A pen designed specifically for the US Armed Forces, it was meant to be used in the field, at sea, and in the air. A beautiful, sturdy, and dependable writer, at a fraction of the M400 price!

Sheaffer Balance "Vigilant" Military Golden Brown, XXF, nib close-up

The pen is free from any flaws or defects. The celluloid has a deep, rich, and vibrant color, with excellent barrel transparency. You can watch the pen getting filled and gauge remaining ink level with ease. The clip is known as the "Military" clip, and it's rather unique. Why buy a modern pen that thousands of other people already have, if you have have this beauty for a lot less?

The Lifetime nib is a fantastic performer. It writes an XXF line (bordering on a needlepoint), but without the typical "toothiness" of modern XXF nibs. It allows you to write rapid strokes in all directions (including curves) without catching the paper, and a generous, yet controlled flow of ink. A perfect pen for business cursive, a great journaling pen, a travel companion. This pen was meant to be used on the road. It'll fit in your journal's pen loop and will bring a smile to your face every time you reach for it to write down your thoughts. An extension of your hand.